Bhutan Adventure

Imagine a country where a land’s worth is measured differently – think Gross National Happiness instead of Gross Domestic Product. Now stop dreaming because you are in the unexplored mountain kingdom of Bhutan. Beauty and wisdom are revealed at each dzong, every gompa and, most incredibly, in the eyes of every smiling Buddhist monk you meet. On treks through remote trails and visits to Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, nature lovers, photographers, and culture junkies will uncover a purity of culture, traditions, and kindness.

Itinerary

Day 1 Paro (1D)

Arrive in Bhutan, clear customs, and meet your CEO. Catch the included transfer to the hotel. Go for a short orientation walk of the town and enjoy a local dinner with the group. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Transport: Private Vehicle

Day 2 Paro (1B, 1L, 1D)

After breakfast, drive about 30 mins to the base of the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). After lunch at the cafeteria, head back down and drive to Kyichu Lhakang Temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore Paro. Included Activities: Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery Hike Kyichu Lhakhang Temple Visit

Trek back down through grassy meadows and trees covered in wispy moss. Continue with a short ride to Thimphu, the capital city. Included Activities: Bumdrak Trek Day 2 Transport: Private Vehicle (1.50-2.00 hours)

Day 5 Thimphu (1B, 1L, 1D)

In the evening, visit the Tashi Chhoedzong, known as the "Fortress of Glorious Religion", initially built in 1702. Today, it houses the main secretariat building, the central monk body, and the office of the king. Included Activities: Memorial Chorten Visit Buddha Point Visit Motithang Takin Preserve Visit Tashichho Dzong Visit

Day 6 Thimphu/Gangtey Gonpa (1B, 1L, 1D)

The road climbs steeply through forests, with hanging lichen up near the Dochula Pass (3,050m/10,007 ft). The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains. Stop for tea and check out the view before continuing on to Gangtey Gompa. Opt to visit the Black-Necked Crane Centre before dinner or wander around the small town to see young monks from the nearby school meandering in the street. Included Activities: Farmhouse Stay Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00-7.00 hours)

Day 7 Gangtey Gonpa/Punākha (1B, 1L, 1D)

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Punakha before visiting Punakha Dzong. This is the winter capital of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot). Included Activities: Chime Lhakhang Visit Punakha Dzong Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00-4.00 hours)

After visiting the nunnery, follow the trail down through the forest to the road to meet the van. Drive back to Paro with time in the evening to wander the streets and pick up some souvenirs. Enjoy a final dinner with the group on your last night in Bhutan. Included Activities: Kila Goempa Nunnery Hike Transport: Private Vehicle (1.50-2.00 hours)

Day 10 Paro (1B)

Your CEO will help arrange your transfer to the airport and all exit formalities before your journey home. Transport: Private Vehicle